Blogging from Slidell, Louisiana about loving life on the Gulf Coast despite BP and Katrina
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Progress
The Army Corps of Engineers has proposed spending $66.4 million to rebuild wetlands along the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet and in Lake Borgne and also armor part of the lake's shoreline.

The plan is divided into three projects, each of which will take about 18 months to complete, and are expected to be built in succession:
-- The first project would use limestone rock to armor the shoreline of Lake Borgne at Shell Beach, with material dredged from within the lake brought in to rebuild wetlands between the shoreline and the MR-GO.
-- Next, the corps would use rock to protect the lake shoreline in two stretches at Bayous Dupre and Bienvenue.
-- The final project would fill in open water areas on the northwest side of the "golden triangle, " an area of wetlands sandwiched between the MR-GO and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. That project would be completed last to coordinate with the construction of a storm-surge barrier across the triangle that is part of the corps's "100-year" levee improvements, designed to protect the New Orleans area from surge caused by hurricanes with a 1 percent chance of occurring in any year.
The corps announced Thursday that it had authorized Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure Inc. to prepare for construction of the barrier and levee project, clearing the way for it to begin staging equipment and supplies in the area.
Some land acquisition in the footprint of the barrier project must still be completed, corps officials said.

The corps also has embarked on a broader study of how to restore wetlands and land features lost to erosion caused by ships and barges using the MR-GO and by construction of the ill-fated shipping channel itself.
That study was authorized by the 2007 Water Resources Development Act, but Congress must still approve and appropriate money for any projects it recommends.
The 2007 water act also ordered deauthorization of the MR-GO as a navigation channel. A $24.7 million rock dike is to be built across the channel at Bayou la Loutre in St. Bernard Parish by June 1, 2009.
The corps already has spent about $5 million of the $75 million appropriated by Congress in 2005 for a small wetlands-restoration project and some armoring along the MR-GO.
This brings us one step closer to realizing our goal of reducing risk from storm surge for the citizens of the greater New Orleans area,” said Lt. Col. Victor Zillmer, resident engineer for the project. “Mobilization efforts include staging equipment, conducting surveys, fabricating steel batter piles and spun cast piles used to anchor the barrier.”
The next steps include real estate acquisition and then the start of construction, which could begin in November with dredging, the corps said.
“Dredging will take about two months, and then we’ll begin driving piles to support the surge barrier,” Zillmer said.
View Larger Map
The surge barrier will extend from the Michoud floodwall north of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway to the levee on the west side of the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet just south of the existing Bayou Bienvenue control structure. The barrier will include a 150-foot surge gate and a 150-foot barge gate to facilitate navigation along the GIWW.
“The system will also feature a new navigable flood control sector gate at Bayou Bienvenue, a braced concrete wall across the MRGO and a concrete floodwall across the marsh between these waterways,” said Rick Kendrick, the corp's Hurricane Protection Office chief of program execution. The existing Bayou Bienvenue flood control structure would be maintained in its existing condition and could continue to be used to regulate high tides.
The corps expects to complete the project in 2011.

The plan is divided into three projects, each of which will take about 18 months to complete, and are expected to be built in succession:
-- The first project would use limestone rock to armor the shoreline of Lake Borgne at Shell Beach, with material dredged from within the lake brought in to rebuild wetlands between the shoreline and the MR-GO.
-- Next, the corps would use rock to protect the lake shoreline in two stretches at Bayous Dupre and Bienvenue.
-- The final project would fill in open water areas on the northwest side of the "golden triangle, " an area of wetlands sandwiched between the MR-GO and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. That project would be completed last to coordinate with the construction of a storm-surge barrier across the triangle that is part of the corps's "100-year" levee improvements, designed to protect the New Orleans area from surge caused by hurricanes with a 1 percent chance of occurring in any year.
The corps announced Thursday that it had authorized Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure Inc. to prepare for construction of the barrier and levee project, clearing the way for it to begin staging equipment and supplies in the area.
Some land acquisition in the footprint of the barrier project must still be completed, corps officials said.

The corps also has embarked on a broader study of how to restore wetlands and land features lost to erosion caused by ships and barges using the MR-GO and by construction of the ill-fated shipping channel itself.
That study was authorized by the 2007 Water Resources Development Act, but Congress must still approve and appropriate money for any projects it recommends.
The 2007 water act also ordered deauthorization of the MR-GO as a navigation channel. A $24.7 million rock dike is to be built across the channel at Bayou la Loutre in St. Bernard Parish by June 1, 2009.
The corps already has spent about $5 million of the $75 million appropriated by Congress in 2005 for a small wetlands-restoration project and some armoring along the MR-GO.
This brings us one step closer to realizing our goal of reducing risk from storm surge for the citizens of the greater New Orleans area,” said Lt. Col. Victor Zillmer, resident engineer for the project. “Mobilization efforts include staging equipment, conducting surveys, fabricating steel batter piles and spun cast piles used to anchor the barrier.”
The next steps include real estate acquisition and then the start of construction, which could begin in November with dredging, the corps said.
“Dredging will take about two months, and then we’ll begin driving piles to support the surge barrier,” Zillmer said.
View Larger Map
The surge barrier will extend from the Michoud floodwall north of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway to the levee on the west side of the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet just south of the existing Bayou Bienvenue control structure. The barrier will include a 150-foot surge gate and a 150-foot barge gate to facilitate navigation along the GIWW.
“The system will also feature a new navigable flood control sector gate at Bayou Bienvenue, a braced concrete wall across the MRGO and a concrete floodwall across the marsh between these waterways,” said Rick Kendrick, the corp's Hurricane Protection Office chief of program execution. The existing Bayou Bienvenue flood control structure would be maintained in its existing condition and could continue to be used to regulate high tides.
The corps expects to complete the project in 2011.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Iowa & FEMA
from an AP story:
The Federal Emergency Management Agency on Tuesday questioned a TV station's findings of high formaldehyde levels in agency-issued trailers and said the lifestyles and habits of the flood victims living in the trailers may be to blame.

Hmmm….sounds familiar, doesn't it?
For three years the residents of the Gulf Coast have been dealing with FEMA foolishness.
We've had the FEMA blame game
FEMA trying to selling surplus trailers to the general public to "raise money" to purchase more emergency housing.
FEMA offering to sell the trailers to residents for $13K
Luckily, there are the KatrinaRitaville Express activists out there, trying to educate people on what life is like in a FEMA trailer.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency on Tuesday questioned a TV station's findings of high formaldehyde levels in agency-issued trailers and said the lifestyles and habits of the flood victims living in the trailers may be to blame.

Hmmm….sounds familiar, doesn't it?
For three years the residents of the Gulf Coast have been dealing with FEMA foolishness.
We've had the FEMA blame game
FEMA trying to selling surplus trailers to the general public to "raise money" to purchase more emergency housing.
FEMA offering to sell the trailers to residents for $13K
Luckily, there are the KatrinaRitaville Express activists out there, trying to educate people on what life is like in a FEMA trailer.
Dummy of the Day
Danny Willingham of eastern Slidell.

According to WWL TV
The wife told deputies that a family acquaintance told her that on three different occasions Danny Willingham offered him $10,000 to kill his wife. Strain said that none of the offers were accepted and no attempt was ever made on the wife’s life.

The couple co-operated the now closed Blue Dog Bait Shop on Hwy. 90 near the Mississippi state line. They were in the process of getting a divorce, but their community property agreement had not yet been reached.
The couple, who had a history of fighting, were in the midst of a “contentious property settlement,” when the murder-for-hire plot unfolded, Bonnett said.
The couple frequently fought over the ownership of the bait shop as well as the couple’s home, a tugboat parked on the Pearl River behind the shop at 47611 Louisiana Highway 90 in Slidell near the Mississippi border.
Willingham is no stranger to domestic violence arrests. In January 2006, he was arrested after he locked his wife inside the bait shop and used his backhoe to push “mounds of dirt and debris” against the door, preventing her from escaping, Bonnett said.
Stuck inside, she called authorities, who eventually arrived and opened the door.
But before Willingham was handcuffed, deputies allowed him to eat a sandwich and drink a Coke inside his store to quell his diabetes. He then asked to use the restroom.
He was granted permission, but only if a deputy escorted him to the bathroom.
Willingham “didn’t like that idea,” according to police reports and said, “I might as well just (urinate) on the floor.”
With that said he unzipped his pants and used the bathroom in front of deputies. In addition to false imprisonment and battery charges, the stunt also landed him obscenity charges, Bonnett said.
In January 2008, he was also arrested on domestic violence charges, including disturbing the peace, false imprisonment and resisting arrest.
Sounds like a real piece of heaven, doesn't he?

According to WWL TV
The wife told deputies that a family acquaintance told her that on three different occasions Danny Willingham offered him $10,000 to kill his wife. Strain said that none of the offers were accepted and no attempt was ever made on the wife’s life.

The couple co-operated the now closed Blue Dog Bait Shop on Hwy. 90 near the Mississippi state line. They were in the process of getting a divorce, but their community property agreement had not yet been reached.
The couple, who had a history of fighting, were in the midst of a “contentious property settlement,” when the murder-for-hire plot unfolded, Bonnett said.
The couple frequently fought over the ownership of the bait shop as well as the couple’s home, a tugboat parked on the Pearl River behind the shop at 47611 Louisiana Highway 90 in Slidell near the Mississippi border.
Willingham is no stranger to domestic violence arrests. In January 2006, he was arrested after he locked his wife inside the bait shop and used his backhoe to push “mounds of dirt and debris” against the door, preventing her from escaping, Bonnett said.
Stuck inside, she called authorities, who eventually arrived and opened the door.
But before Willingham was handcuffed, deputies allowed him to eat a sandwich and drink a Coke inside his store to quell his diabetes. He then asked to use the restroom.
He was granted permission, but only if a deputy escorted him to the bathroom.
Willingham “didn’t like that idea,” according to police reports and said, “I might as well just (urinate) on the floor.”
With that said he unzipped his pants and used the bathroom in front of deputies. In addition to false imprisonment and battery charges, the stunt also landed him obscenity charges, Bonnett said.
In January 2008, he was also arrested on domestic violence charges, including disturbing the peace, false imprisonment and resisting arrest.
Sounds like a real piece of heaven, doesn't he?
Scuzzbucket of the Week
From WWL TV:
A Slidell woman has been arrested and charged in connection with a case where the car she was driving struck and killed a Slidell man who was riding in his wheelchair along a Slidell area road, according to the St. Tammany Sheriff's Office.
St. Tammany Sheriff's Capt. George Bonnett reports that 40-year-old Kimberlin Edwards has been charged with vehicular homicide, driving under the influence, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, and having an open container in the vehicle.

The accident occurred shortly before 4 p.m. along Donya Drive in the Slidell area. Capt. Bonnett says that deputies received word that a vehicle struck a man in a three-wheel motorized vehicle.
Witnesses told deputies that they saw a white Buick Rendezvous, driven by Edwards, traveling at a high rate of speed along the roadway when the accident occurred. The 53-year-old victim died at the scene. His name has not yet been released by the St. Tammany Sheriff's Office.
According to Capt. Bonnett, Edwards and a female passenger were located nearby. He adds that both Edwards and the passenger were taken to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Capt. Bonnett says that Edwards failed an intoxilyzer test.
A Slidell woman has been arrested and charged in connection with a case where the car she was driving struck and killed a Slidell man who was riding in his wheelchair along a Slidell area road, according to the St. Tammany Sheriff's Office.
St. Tammany Sheriff's Capt. George Bonnett reports that 40-year-old Kimberlin Edwards has been charged with vehicular homicide, driving under the influence, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, and having an open container in the vehicle.

The accident occurred shortly before 4 p.m. along Donya Drive in the Slidell area. Capt. Bonnett says that deputies received word that a vehicle struck a man in a three-wheel motorized vehicle.
Witnesses told deputies that they saw a white Buick Rendezvous, driven by Edwards, traveling at a high rate of speed along the roadway when the accident occurred. The 53-year-old victim died at the scene. His name has not yet been released by the St. Tammany Sheriff's Office.
According to Capt. Bonnett, Edwards and a female passenger were located nearby. He adds that both Edwards and the passenger were taken to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Capt. Bonnett says that Edwards failed an intoxilyzer test.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
NOLA provides an example on surviving the latest American "tragedy"
True to form, Mark over at Toulouse Street "writes a letter" to America regarding how to handle the stress the last few weeks have brought in his post " Buddy can you spare some bootstraps "

New Orleans has rehearsed the complete collapse of the American Dream for the last three years, and yet every day you can find us at the neighborhood bar sipping a cold one while discussing the Saints and the venality of politicians, or at that restaurant around the corner getting a po-boy. Life goes on. Come the Fourth of July, you’ll find Going Fourth on the River, a bit choked up as we watch the bright red, white and blue bombs bursting in air. No, we don’t believe in that old American Dream anymore, at least not in the way you still do, America. We have a clear-eyed take on what government has become, what insurance companies (for us) or banks (for the rest of you) are really about.........If you want a lesson on how to survive the next few years, I suggest you hop on a plane or gas up the car and come on down to New Orleans–before someone cuts up those credit-cards–and we’ll show you how it’s done, and throw in a good time to boot.
thanks, Mark.
New Orleans has rehearsed the complete collapse of the American Dream for the last three years, and yet every day you can find us at the neighborhood bar sipping a cold one while discussing the Saints and the venality of politicians, or at that restaurant around the corner getting a po-boy. Life goes on. Come the Fourth of July, you’ll find Going Fourth on the River, a bit choked up as we watch the bright red, white and blue bombs bursting in air. No, we don’t believe in that old American Dream anymore, at least not in the way you still do, America. We have a clear-eyed take on what government has become, what insurance companies (for us) or banks (for the rest of you) are really about.........If you want a lesson on how to survive the next few years, I suggest you hop on a plane or gas up the car and come on down to New Orleans–before someone cuts up those credit-cards–and we’ll show you how it’s done, and throw in a good time to boot.
thanks, Mark.
The November 4th Ballot
You'll be voting for more than the next president on the ballot in two weeks.
There are several amendments on the ballot which will require you to do some homework to make an intelligent decision.

Here are some websites that explain the ballots in plain english:
The Bureau of Government Research"
The Bureau of Governmental Research is a private, nonprofit, independent research organization dedicated to informed public policy making and the effective use
of public resources for the improvement of government in the New Orleans metropolitan area.
They have created a comprehensive report that details - in everyday English - each of the four constitutional amendments on the ballot. This is the place to go to make a wise decision on the amendments.
SOS LOUISIANA DOT GOV
The Louisiana Secretary of State
skip to main | skip to sidebar Thanks, Katrina
Observations from Slidell, Louisiana, where - along with the rest of the Gulf Coast - we are coming back from Katrina's wrath
Trying to keep the world aware that we are still not okay 3 years post Katrina.
Showing posts for query BGR.ORG. Show all posts Showing posts for query BGR.ORG. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
This Saturday's Election
Curious about all the stuff the ballot this Saturday? Here are some resources.
BGR.ORG
The Bureau of Governmental Research is a private, nonprofit, independent research organization dedicated to informed public policy making and the effective use of public resources for the improvement of government in the New Orleans metropolitan area.
They have created a comprehensive report that details - in everyday English - each of the constitutional amendments on the ballot. This is the place to go to make a wise decision on the amendments.
SOS.LOUISIANA DOT GOV
The Louisiana Secretary of State
Here you can find sample ballots by Parish
Vote Smart dot org.
By typing in your zip code on the left hand of the page, you will
be presented with all the information you need in making decisions in
this election. It doesn't include the amendments, but is chock full of
information about the candidates and incumbents.
CABL dot org
The Council for a Better Louisiana
In depth information of both the candidates and the amendments.
LA-PAR dot org
Louisiana Public Affairs Research Council
For a pdf guide to the constitutional amendments click here
Vote LA dot org
By putting in your address at this website you will be given a sample ballot
to familiarize yourself with the candidates and amendments. This site doesn't explain the amendments, though.
Proposed Amendments
1. Term Limits for Members of State Boards & Commissions
2. Time Limits for Calling Special Sessions
3. Temporary Successors for Legislators Ordered to Active Military Duty
4. State Severance Taxes to Parishes
5. Transfer of Special Property Tax Assessment Level
6. Re-Sale of Certain Expropriated Property
7. Investment of Non-Pension Benefit Trusts
So there you go. Vote informed.
addendum: I went and voted on the first day of "early voting" and it took an hour from when I arrived at the polling place. Lots of people interested in this election.
There are several amendments on the ballot which will require you to do some homework to make an intelligent decision.

Here are some websites that explain the ballots in plain english:
The Bureau of Government Research"
The Bureau of Governmental Research is a private, nonprofit, independent research organization dedicated to informed public policy making and the effective use
of public resources for the improvement of government in the New Orleans metropolitan area.
They have created a comprehensive report that details - in everyday English - each of the four constitutional amendments on the ballot. This is the place to go to make a wise decision on the amendments.
SOS LOUISIANA DOT GOV
The Louisiana Secretary of State
skip to main | skip to sidebar Thanks, Katrina
Observations from Slidell, Louisiana, where - along with the rest of the Gulf Coast - we are coming back from Katrina's wrath
Trying to keep the world aware that we are still not okay 3 years post Katrina.
Showing posts for query BGR.ORG. Show all posts Showing posts for query BGR.ORG. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
This Saturday's Election
Curious about all the stuff the ballot this Saturday? Here are some resources.
BGR.ORG
The Bureau of Governmental Research is a private, nonprofit, independent research organization dedicated to informed public policy making and the effective use of public resources for the improvement of government in the New Orleans metropolitan area.
They have created a comprehensive report that details - in everyday English - each of the constitutional amendments on the ballot. This is the place to go to make a wise decision on the amendments.
SOS.LOUISIANA DOT GOV
The Louisiana Secretary of State
Here you can find sample ballots by Parish
Vote Smart dot org.
By typing in your zip code on the left hand of the page, you will
be presented with all the information you need in making decisions in
this election. It doesn't include the amendments, but is chock full of
information about the candidates and incumbents.
CABL dot org
The Council for a Better Louisiana
In depth information of both the candidates and the amendments.
LA-PAR dot org
Louisiana Public Affairs Research Council
For a pdf guide to the constitutional amendments click here
Vote LA dot org
By putting in your address at this website you will be given a sample ballot
to familiarize yourself with the candidates and amendments. This site doesn't explain the amendments, though.
Proposed Amendments
1. Term Limits for Members of State Boards & Commissions
2. Time Limits for Calling Special Sessions
3. Temporary Successors for Legislators Ordered to Active Military Duty
4. State Severance Taxes to Parishes
5. Transfer of Special Property Tax Assessment Level
6. Re-Sale of Certain Expropriated Property
7. Investment of Non-Pension Benefit Trusts
So there you go. Vote informed.
addendum: I went and voted on the first day of "early voting" and it took an hour from when I arrived at the polling place. Lots of people interested in this election.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Time for a Smile
With thanks to Greg over at Suspect Device, I present to you how life is over in New Iberia, Louisiana.
Seems that a Mr. Mike Romero was in a quandry about what to do with his cows during Hurricanes Gustav & Ike after watching his calves die in Hurricane Rita in 2005. Well, sir, let me tell you....Mr. Mike has stirred up a hornets nest down there.

Y'all think the comments in the Times Pic are bad?
Get a load of some of these (and I haven't edited anything:
Are you people thinking about this??? Go ride by the neighborhood those "innocent" cows were housed. See how close the houses were to the fence (maybe 2ft if that) then imagine all the dung seeping through the fence onto your yard, along with the smell, flies, mosquitos. Remember there was no electricity, so the windows had to be raised. The cows pushing your fence, because there hungry and want to eat, because poor, innocent Mr. Romero didn't feed his precious animals for 3 days. That is why he choose not to bring them to the sugarena. He would of hadtotakecareofthem
" well i evacuated my animals!! some to New Iberia & some to Broussard! so i wouldn't be charged & no one is picking on me do we leave the animals drown like in hurricane Rita?? or do we take them out during a mandatory evacuation?? "
" Good ole Mike has once again proven that he's about as smart as a bucket of hair. A real close race with his sister Nancy ROFL! "
" If we can tolerate the smell of the horses in the parades, which quite frankly, serve no entertainment value in a parade, then surely these neighbors should tolerate the emergency situation this man found himself in! Get over it already! "
Thanks, Greg for the Monday smile.
Seems that a Mr. Mike Romero was in a quandry about what to do with his cows during Hurricanes Gustav & Ike after watching his calves die in Hurricane Rita in 2005. Well, sir, let me tell you....Mr. Mike has stirred up a hornets nest down there.

Y'all think the comments in the Times Pic are bad?
Get a load of some of these (and I haven't edited anything:
Are you people thinking about this??? Go ride by the neighborhood those "innocent" cows were housed. See how close the houses were to the fence (maybe 2ft if that) then imagine all the dung seeping through the fence onto your yard, along with the smell, flies, mosquitos. Remember there was no electricity, so the windows had to be raised. The cows pushing your fence, because there hungry and want to eat, because poor, innocent Mr. Romero didn't feed his precious animals for 3 days. That is why he choose not to bring them to the sugarena. He would of hadtotakecareofthem
" well i evacuated my animals!! some to New Iberia & some to Broussard! so i wouldn't be charged & no one is picking on me do we leave the animals drown like in hurricane Rita?? or do we take them out during a mandatory evacuation?? "
" Good ole Mike has once again proven that he's about as smart as a bucket of hair. A real close race with his sister Nancy ROFL! "
" If we can tolerate the smell of the horses in the parades, which quite frankly, serve no entertainment value in a parade, then surely these neighbors should tolerate the emergency situation this man found himself in! Get over it already! "
Thanks, Greg for the Monday smile.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Joe Six Pack
Found at Humid City, cross posted from Copperwise:
Sarah Palin et al like to call us "Joe Six-Pack," and they think we like it too. They think it sounds folksy and homey and cute.
Sure. It's a folksy, homey, cute way to euphemistically call us something very close to trashy, ignorant hillbillies. We're just not supposed to be smart enough to realize it.
See, JSP isn't referring to our rock hard abs. JSP literally means "the blue collar guy who picks up a six pack of cheap beer every night after work and goes home to watch Nascar (and probably beat his wife/kids and light a cross on the black neighbor's lawn but we won't say anything about that wink wink nudge nudge)." That is the message that they are trying to get across to America.
There's a lot more to the post. Read it all, you will love it.
Sarah Palin et al like to call us "Joe Six-Pack," and they think we like it too. They think it sounds folksy and homey and cute.
Sure. It's a folksy, homey, cute way to euphemistically call us something very close to trashy, ignorant hillbillies. We're just not supposed to be smart enough to realize it.
See, JSP isn't referring to our rock hard abs. JSP literally means "the blue collar guy who picks up a six pack of cheap beer every night after work and goes home to watch Nascar (and probably beat his wife/kids and light a cross on the black neighbor's lawn but we won't say anything about that wink wink nudge nudge)." That is the message that they are trying to get across to America.
There's a lot more to the post. Read it all, you will love it.
Not Katrina Related, but...
Insane McCain
From the huffingtonpost dot com
In military parlance, Mr. McCain -- the candidate -- is now behaving in a manner "unbecoming an officer" -- notably the highest-ranking officer, as Commander-in-Chief of the United States military and as the President of the United States.
His campaign is guilty of inciting crowds to hatred against a political opponent by intentionally spewing racist lies and fabricated vitriol, questioning our next President's patriotism in a time of war, tacitly approving his own campaign's spokespeople and advertisements' specific statements that his political opponent is "palling around with terrorists," Mr. McCain indelibly stains the "honor" he has been accorded from years of public and military service.
He has now earned the ignominious fate of a public "court martial" in polling places all across America on November 4th.
Article 133 stipulates that the maximum punishment for violations of this code of conduct is:
• "Dismissal,"
• "Forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and"
• "Confinement for a period...for which a punishment is prescribed in this Manual, or, if none is prescribed, for one year."
Just how many of these infractions has the esteemed former Navy flyboy committed? According to the U.S. Military Code's complete list of punishable "conduct unbecoming" offenses: 10 out of 10.
John McCain has run a dispirited, dishonorable, duplicitous, wedge-issue driven and erratic campaign during a time when his country is at war and faces the gravest economic crisis since the 1930's. His political stunts -- the most egregious of which is named "Sarah Palin" -- are more than cagey electoral strategy. They are hazardous to the health and welfare of this nation.
The conduct of his 2008 campaign should alert the nation as to what kind of White House he would champion and this should disqualify him for the highest office in the land.
As Rolling Stone author Tim Dickinson writes in the October 16, 2008 issue, the true story of the "make-believe maverick...reveals a disturbing record of recklessness and dishonesty." There were hints of these troubling character flaws in his youthful pre-war years. Dickinson notes that even as a young man, McCain wasn't particularly popular. "His friends seemed to dislike him, with one recalling him as "a mean little fucker." That "mean little fucker" is still quite alive and well in McCain's shrinking, 72-year-old, 5' 9" frame.
Both articles are worth reading, IMHO.

From the huffingtonpost dot com
In military parlance, Mr. McCain -- the candidate -- is now behaving in a manner "unbecoming an officer" -- notably the highest-ranking officer, as Commander-in-Chief of the United States military and as the President of the United States.
His campaign is guilty of inciting crowds to hatred against a political opponent by intentionally spewing racist lies and fabricated vitriol, questioning our next President's patriotism in a time of war, tacitly approving his own campaign's spokespeople and advertisements' specific statements that his political opponent is "palling around with terrorists," Mr. McCain indelibly stains the "honor" he has been accorded from years of public and military service.
He has now earned the ignominious fate of a public "court martial" in polling places all across America on November 4th.
Article 133 stipulates that the maximum punishment for violations of this code of conduct is:
• "Dismissal,"
• "Forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and"
• "Confinement for a period...for which a punishment is prescribed in this Manual, or, if none is prescribed, for one year."
Just how many of these infractions has the esteemed former Navy flyboy committed? According to the U.S. Military Code's complete list of punishable "conduct unbecoming" offenses: 10 out of 10.
John McCain has run a dispirited, dishonorable, duplicitous, wedge-issue driven and erratic campaign during a time when his country is at war and faces the gravest economic crisis since the 1930's. His political stunts -- the most egregious of which is named "Sarah Palin" -- are more than cagey electoral strategy. They are hazardous to the health and welfare of this nation.
The conduct of his 2008 campaign should alert the nation as to what kind of White House he would champion and this should disqualify him for the highest office in the land.
As Rolling Stone author Tim Dickinson writes in the October 16, 2008 issue, the true story of the "make-believe maverick...reveals a disturbing record of recklessness and dishonesty." There were hints of these troubling character flaws in his youthful pre-war years. Dickinson notes that even as a young man, McCain wasn't particularly popular. "His friends seemed to dislike him, with one recalling him as "a mean little fucker." That "mean little fucker" is still quite alive and well in McCain's shrinking, 72-year-old, 5' 9" frame.
Both articles are worth reading, IMHO.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Katrina Memorials

St. Bernard Parish President Craig P. Taffaro Jr. reads his opening remarks before he and city council members took turns reading the names of the victims killed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina August 29, 2005 at the rededication ceremony of an updated monument at Shell Beach Saturday October 11, 2008. The event was originally scheduled for the third anniversary but was delayed due preparations for Hurricane Gustav.
Other Katrina Memorials along the Gulf Coast:
Here is a link to photographs of Banksy's Katrina Memorial to the 9th Ward (before a lot of them were painted over in gray…what a waste)
Biloxi, Mississippi
New Orleans
Ninth Ward (2007)
Pascagoula, Mississippi
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